Science MAAP

Less snow falls during a warmer-then-normal winter in the Yellowstone ecosystem. The thinner snow cover on the ground allows for more plants to be visible than when the snow cover is thick.

Describe how a winter with less snowfall might affect the populations of willow, aspen, and cottonwood trees.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Less snow falls during a warmer-then-normal winter in the Yellowstone ecosystem. The thinner snow cover on the ground allows for more plants to be visible than when the snow cover is thick.

Describe how a winter with less snowfall might affect the population of elk.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Less snow falls during a warmer-then-normal winter in the Yellowstone ecosystem. The thinner snow cover on the ground allows for more plants to be visible than when the snow cover is thick. Some scientists predict that, over time, the average thickness of the snow cover in the Yellowstone ecosystem will decrease as global air temperatures increase. Predict a long-term effect of the reduced snow cover in the Yellowstone ecosystem on the beaver population. Be sure to support your prediction using evidence.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Scientists in a different area with an ecosystem similar to that of Yellowstone are considering different solutions for protecting trees in hopes of restoring the ecosystem to its previous levels of biodiversity. One scientist recommends placing fences that are two meters in height around areas of existing trees rather than introducing wolves to the ecosystem. Select one likely ADVANTAGE of using fences to protect the trees.

• young trees would be able to grow to maturity

• birds would have access to trees for building nests

• the elk population would increase as the adult tree population would increase

• beavers would be unable to access the trees for food and to build their shelters

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NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Grizzly bears, black bears, eagles, and ravens are scavengers in the Yellowstone ecosystem. Based on the information, which statement explains how the reintroduction of wolves has most likely affected the populations of scavengers?

• Scavenger populations likely decreased because wolves prey on scavengers

• Scavenger populations likely decreased because wolves and scavengers compete for the same resources

• Scavenger populations likely increased because wolves provide a food source for scavengers

• Scavenger populations likely increased because wolves provide habitat for scavengers when the wolves create and abandon their dens

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Explain one error concerning distances between foam balls in the model.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

The table shows the number of neutrons, protons, and electrons for two atoms. How are the two atoms alike?

• They have the same charge.

• They have the same mass number.

• They have the same atomic number

• They are atoms of the same element.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-1

The atoms of a certain element each contain 11 protons and 1 valence electron. Which statement correctly identifies this element and describes its chemical reactivity?

• The element is sodium, and it is highly reactive

• The element is fluorine, and it is highly reactive

• The element is sodium, and it is not very reactive

• The element is fluorine, and it is not very reactive

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NGSS.MS-PS1-1

How many of each atom are in the compound above?

• 1 magnesium atom, 2 iron atoms, and 4 oxygen atoms

• 3 magnesium atoms, 2 iron atoms, and 4 oxygen atoms

• 6 magnesium atoms, 6 iron atoms, and 12 oxygen atoms

• 3 magnesium atoms, 6 iron atoms, and 12 oxygen atoms

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Look at the pictures above. A shows the bag before the vinegar and baking soda are mixed together, and B shows it after they are mixed together. In which picture do the contents of the bag have the greater mass?

• The mass is greater in A—before they are mixed.

• The mass is greater in B—after they are mixed.

• The mass is the same in both.

• The mass depends on the temperature.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-5